Franktown (1861, 6,120 feet) grew up around a stage stop on the Smoky Hill Trail. Frank Gardner first claimed the area, named Frank's Town for him. Gardner built a large hotel with a second-floor dance hall above guest rooms and a dining hall, which became the social center. A sawmill and several other roadhouses served the town, which was the first county seat (from 1861 to 1864).
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